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The 2026-27 college basketball season is tipping off in the Eternal City.

Notre Dame, a Catholic university, will open their season against the Villanova Wildcats this morning, Nov. 1, in the Eternal City Tip-Off, named and created in honor of the first American pope, Pope Leo XIV.

The pope received his bachelor’s degree from Villanova University in 1977. In an address to both teams yesterday, the pontiff stated that in terms of the game, he remains neutral, before adding, “Prevost has another opinion, but we won’t do that now.”

Watch Notre Dame vs. Villanova for free

When: Nov. 1, 9:30 a.m. ET

Where: Palazzo della Sport (Rome, Italy)

How to watch for free: DIRECTV (five-day free trial)

TV Channel: FOX

The rest of the Division I basketball season officially begins tomorrow, Nov.…